The BMW iX5 hydrogen-powered prototype passes high-temperature tests

Sustainable mobility is a challenge that we all must face, but greater commitment must be driven by major groups and brands such as the BMW Group, a company that continues to lead the way in the search for sustainable mobility solutions. This time it has done so by demonstrating the impressive performance of its hydrogen fuel cell drive system in extreme climatic conditions, namely in the scorching terrain of the United Arab Emirates. The vehicles in the BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet, launched earlier this year, have successfully passed tests at temperatures that reach 45°C, facing sandy terrain, steep gradients and significant variations in humidity.

The high-efficiency fuel cell system, the hydrogen tanks, the electric motor and the traction battery were perfectly coordinated with the vehicle’s central control unit to demonstrate their exceptional performance and ability to cope with extreme conditions. The development team from Munich examined the functionality of all electrical systems under these conditions and ensured that the necessary cooling capacity was available to maintain the vehicle’s full performance. The results revealed that the vehicles retained the renowned driving dynamics of the BMW even in adverse situations.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen ready for conquest

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet is currently travelling through Europe, Japan, Korea, China, the USA and the Middle East, demonstrating the practicality of hydrogen vehicles in everyday use and gathering crucial knowledge for the potential development of a series production model.

In addition, the BMW Group is committed to supporting the development of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure across all vehicle categories, from passenger cars to heavy commercial vehicles, using 700 bar technology. This strategy seeks to create synergies between different applications, fostering a robust network of hydrogen technology suppliers and reducing costs.

A future driven by diversity

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen combines the ability to travel long distances with short refuelling stops and locally emission-free driving, a system that is efficient yet cost-effective and that many people are unaware of. In the right context, hydrogen fuel cell technology could become a key component of the BMW Group’s future portfolio of drive systems.

Looking at the evolution of sustainable mobility options, the BMW Group has adopted an “open technology” approach to drive systems, which has allowed it to adapt to the varied needs of customers, infrastructure standards and political and regulatory frameworks in different regions of the world. This flexibility ensures that the BMW Group can respond swiftly to changes in market demand and offer attractive solutions for a wide range of customers.

Specifications of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen is equipped with a fuel cell system that generates 125 kW/170 CV of power and a highly integrated drive unit using fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. This compact technology houses the electric motor, transmission and power electronics in a single housing. The total output of the drive system reaches 295 kW / 401 CV. The required hydrogen is stored in two 700 bar tanks made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), with a total storage capacity of approximately six kilograms of hydrogen. This gives the BMW iX5 Hydrogen an impressive range of 504 km on the WLTP cycle.

BMW iX5 Hydrogen photo gallery